Leona Wilbanks was born November 2, 1939 and was raised in Cromwell, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school. She passed away November 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City after a long battle with kidney disease at the age of 85.
She was a doting mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was very proud to be called mom, grandma, and Mimi. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, and they all loved going to Mimi and Papa’s house.
Leona married Carl Wilbanks on January 25, 1957 and they were married 65 years. They loved to travel and had seen 42 out of 50 states in the US including Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. They loved taking their grandchildren and great-grandchildren on their adventures. She often mentioned she missed her father and their adventures and couldn’t wait to see him again. She was always there for any help she could give; she was selfless and loving and she will be greatly missed.
Leona was preceded in death by her mother and father Thelma and Gibson Smith, and sisters Nova Marie Sanders, and Mary Lee Wayborn. Survivors include her brother Jimmy Smith. Leona was preceded in death by loving husband Carl and daughter-in-law Suzanne Wilbanks. She is survived by her 2 children Terry Wilbanks, Tammy Wilbanks Stewart and (spouse) Richard Stewart. 4 Grandchildren; Lisa Smith (partner) Micah, Melvin Burger (partner) Kathy Cozart, Elizabeth Pikovsky, Timothy Pikovsky. 3 step grandchildren, Rikki Stewart, (spouse) Kim Stewart, Jim Stewart (partner) Katie Smith, Peggy Stewart Bussinger (spouse) Tyson Bussinger. 4 great grandchildren, Mikayla Dickey and (spouse) Josh Dickey, Kyren Lehman and (spouse) Shawn Lehman, Trevor Covalt and (partner) Britta, Zavier Smith and (partner) Hannah McEwin. 6 step great grandchildren Kelsey Stewart, Kaley Stewart, Zachary Ramarez, Destiney Stewart, Hunter Stewart and Sophee Bussinger. 5 Great-great grandchildren; Elaina Lehman, Harmonie Covalt, Trey Covalt, Sawyer Lehman, and KJ Smith. She was also survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews.
A funeral will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, December 2, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Sand Creek Cemetery just east of Cromwell. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.
